Experiences with Fairfield presentation (and ownership)?

[Lisa P.]

So, you are telling me in the above statement if I bought DVC for $22200 it would be worth $20000, BUT if I bought FF for $22000, it would be worth $6000????

Basically, YES, less the resale broker's commission on a higher priced DVC resale. If you buy DVC using the MB discount, you lose the first year's usage. Conversely, if you buy FF from the developer, you usually receive a full year's bonus points (i.e., double points in the first year). Still, MB does bring DVC's developer pricing much closer to FF's developer pricing.

50%-80% "depreciation" of a developer timeshare purchase is common within the industry. As long as Disney exercises ROFR, DVC will escape this. So it's good for existing DVC members that DVC is continuing to build (and sell points at) DVC resorts - and exercise ROFR.

Naturally, the best idea for someone who is interested in FF is to purchase it resale. With only $6K (or less) in sunk costs, breakeven comes VERY quickly. And there's little risk of any loss when reselling later.

Lisa P - lets get real here - ...the security guards will return you around at the security gate.

Spiceycat... this isn't personal. Really. Where exactly are you referring to? What security gate? Near FW? They will not turn away a day guest. We've told them that we were coming to see the Electrical Water Pageant, rent sailboats, eat a meal, look around at the resort or whatever we were actually doing at a MK resort. The resorts expect visitors, including FW's Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

The only onsite roads with restricted access (that I know about) are those for Disney buses and maintenance/emergency vehicles only. Disney resort guests are restricted from all of those too. Security staff don't risk their jobs to permit this.

Spiceycat, you are going to have a terrific stay at HGVC. It's a beautiful resort! At one time, Lost & Found was located inside the kennel building at MK/TTC. We were waved through to retrieve something at L&F, though we were staying offsite. Where will your cat sleep while you are staying at HGVC? I didn't realize that offsite guests were permitted to use overnight kennels at WDW. We never needed it.

 

[jade1]

We own at VWL and always drive through the MG gate I think you are talking about. I dont think they even stop us. Anyway its the only way I know to get there-Is there another way?

 

[nezy]

We have been to a couple of these timehare presentations-including one or two for DVC before finally buying. All have seemed great-of course, but DVC was definately less "swarmy" in their presentation. The facts were there-this is our price, are you interested, great, if not great. All of the others were high pressure with additional price cuts and/or incentives with each refusal. I am not the type to bargain-so I definately do not like this type of sales pitch-where THEY are doing ME a favor by letting me purchase their product-NO THANKS!

Also, w/ DVC I know what I am getting. I think thouth that DVC has made other companies improve their timeshare product. That is good for everyone.

P.S. Hope Jeremy and his brother are all safe!!

 

[jodifla]

I think the incredible price drop for resales of other times shares says it all: Those times shares just aren't as nice as DVC, and there's a glut of them. And many of them aren't run by very reputable companies.

And their shameful, ought-to-be-illegal tactics to get folks to buy shows THEY KNOW their product isn't very good.

And Disney knows theirs is.

 

[Joe T.]

Our first TS purchase was in 1993 at FF Williamsburg. When we purchased, the presentation was very civil. For a few years, we referred friends, but the presentation became so high pressure that we stopped. We love Williamsburg, and have never traded, either into the Fairfield system or RCI. The basic dues are lower, but they charge fees for everything. Also, there is limited flexibility.

We bought DVC in 1995, and have no plans to trade away from WDW. The flexibility of DVC is the best in the business. At least one trip per year plus several large family reunions, so far.

We also bought a Marriott Vacation Club TS. That is the one we use for trading. Combined with the Marriott Rewards Program, we have lots of travel opportunities.

 

[spiceycat]

the entrance I am taking about

you leave OKW turn left - then at the light turn right - then at the deadend light - turn left again - after you past the golf courses - there is a security gate - right pass this is FW.

at this security gate they are only surpose to let in (their rules) - WDW resort guests, buses, annual pass holders, and CM's.

this is a back entrance to the MK resorts from the DD resort area - you are by passing the main entrance where you would have to pay if you are not a WDW resort guest or an annual pass holder.

Lisa P - sorry - Spicey generally stays at FW sometimes at Epcot - but mostly at FW. the kennel is right there in the parking lot at FW - so it is very easy to get too from OKW. the others are either very noisey - the T/t or don't have enough room to walk a pet and he likes to take long walks.

yes off site guest can board their pets at WDW kennels overnight instead of paying the $9 charge it would be $11.

You can find FF points using a resalers for $.02 or $.03 per point - I can send you the resalers website if anyone is interested.

my DVC points have increased in value - but that is because DVC will use their option to buy back - Marriott and Hilton both have it in theirs but I don't think they use them - DVC does.

 

[jcodespoti]

I don't know what was said during your LV tour, regarding maint fees

That was my whole point (although maybe not clear). The guy would not tell me the maint. fees until I signed up. Thats what bugged me the most. It could be just the Vegas atmosphere though.

Joe in CT

 

[JLS]

These posts reminded me that during our Fairfield Vegas presentation, one of the things that bugged me a bit was that the presenter was extremely vague about pricing, etc. I was expecting her to sit down and lay it out - "if you buy X number of points, its X $$, and you pay X maintenance fees." All she would really say is "oh, our maintenance fees are much less than you are paying with DVC." I tried to get a few specifics for comparison, although we weren't planning on buying there so I didn't want to drag the process out either. I think that their system is so complicated that it is difficult to get a clear picture of exactly what you are getting. For us, this was a stark contrast to DVC where they just gave you a sheet that showed all your options and the price, and they didn't try to haggle with you, they just told you, "here is our deal." I liked that approach much better. It was easy to understand what you were getting. Then either you want it or you don't. There was no pressure at all to buy it. Our guide just explained everything very nicely, then said, "well, you think about it, and let me know if you are interested."

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Just my opinion- No matter how close they build a Fairfield property, it will not compare to DVC. Heck, Fairfield could build an addition onto VWL, but it is NOT DVC.

DVC.... Everything else is just a timeshare.

 

[Lisa P.]

JLS & jcodespoti, the 2003 maint fees at FF LV at Grand Desert are $3.15/1,000 points. You can look at this link to see the points charts, to get an idea of what that means (ex., 1BR suite, Christmas week = $352.80; 2BR Deluxe, Easter week = $639.45)

the entrance I am taking about... past the golf courses - there is a security gate - right pass this is FW... only surpose to let in (their rules) - WDW resort guests, buses, annual pass holders, and CM's.

We're talking about the same location. In one direction, IIRC, the sign just says to slow down (not stop). In the other, we've stopped and had no problem passing after saying why we're there.

...back entrance to the MK resorts from the DD resort area - you are by passing the main entrance where you would have to pay if you are not a WDW resort guest or an annual pass holder.

Actually, we've been waved through the MK parking gates too, whenever we have come from offsite to visit a MK resort. We rent sailboats and/or watermice on Bay Lake (usually at the Contemp) on almost every trip to Orlando. And we've enjoyed eating at 1900 Park Fare (GF) & Artist Pointe (WL). When we tell the MK parking gate guards, they just direct us all the way to the farthest right hand lane. We have never been asked to pay MK/TTC parking for this - never heard of anyone else being asked to pay it either. Locals visit some of these restaurants and that's welcome business.

yes off site guest can board their pets at WDW kennels overnight instead of paying the $9 charge it would be $11.

Thanks for the info, Spiceycat.

 

[JLS]

Thanks for the info, Lisa P. It seems to take a lot more time/research to get familiar with the Fairfield system because it is more complicated than DVC. But I am looking to rent a unit at the Las Vegas Grand Desert to check it out - it seemed really nice. Do you have an idea how much rentals tend to go for there on the free market from owners (either nightly or weekly?) Thanks!

 

[mb168]

We went to the Vegas presentaion too and actually signed papers. When I got back and tried to read everything and learn how to use FF, which was unclear after the presentation, I went online. When I saw what I could purchase the same number of points resale, I couldn't sleep all night and immediately exercised my get outta FF for free clause. We bought DVC on our next trip 4 months later, on our secong time through DVC presentation.

 

[Lisa P.]

I am looking to rent a unit at the Las Vegas Grand Desert to check it out... an idea how much rentals tend to go for there on the free market from owners (either nightly or weekly?) Thanks!

JLS, sorry for the delayed response. DH and I were on a getaway in the Smokies while our kids were at church camp!

Anyway, there are a couple of rental websites to consider. One is the TUG Classifieds. Look in the "Western U.S." section (for LV) or look in the "Multi or Club" section (for FF).

Another source is the Yahoo Group (which is moderated and requires registration). Look in the "Database" section. There, you would find a large database of owner "Timeshare Rentals," most of which are FF resorts. This is the equivalent of the DIS Rent/Trade Board here. It's mostly there for owners who want to rent from one another but also for those considering a purchase who want to try it out first or who just enjoy FF properties but don't want to commit to ownership.

Either way, as with DVC, before you look for a rental, it'll be important to look up the number of Fairfield FSP points required for your desired stay. Check the Points Chart for the FF LV Resort online.

FF allows owners to rent part of a reservation for $9/1,000 FSP points. This rate drops to $5/1,000 points if the reservation is less than 90 days from check-in. So FF owners will frequently rent for $5-$7/1,000 FSP points. You may find someone willing to rent for less, if their points are going to expire soon, like within 90 days. The most common use year is January 1st, but there are use years that begin on April 1st, July 1st and October 1st, with expiration on the day prior to the new use year. HTH.